As healthcare conversations between providers and patients continue evolving into global, participatory discussions via social media, University of the Sciences will kick off an informative three-part lecture series on March 13 regarding social media as a means of communicating with patients.

At the conclusion of the lecture series, the University's Mayes College of Healthcare Business and Policy will hold its annual “Making the Connections” program on Tuesday, April 22, from 5:30-7:30 p.m., in the University’s AstraZeneca Auditorium, located in the McNeil Science and Technology Center. This year’s program will highlight social media in healthcare.

“The role Twitter plays in breaking down patient/provider barriers, disseminating and expanding the reach of healthcare information, and establishing collaborative model of shared health information is one of the most exciting developments in social media,” said Andrew Peterson PharmD, PhD’09, Wyeth Dean of Mayes College.

During the lectures, local and national experts will discuss the pending regulations surrounding the use of social media, describe examples of how a public health initiative used social media to improve health behaviors, and talk about how the pharmaceutical industry uses social media to communicate with patients.

The lecture topics and details are as follows:

“Take Control Philly: From Clicks to Condoms,” featuring Matt Prior, MPH, communications and policy coordinator at Philadelphia Department of Health, on March 13, from 4-5 p.m., in Rosenberger 101.

"Big Pharm and Social Media: Walking a Fine Line," featuring Paul Viggiano, MA, adjunct professor and former head of global internal communications at GlaxoSmithKline, on April 3, from 1-2 p.m., in STC 137.

“Because 75 percent of all internet users are now active on social media, more and more members of the medical professions are embracing social media for sharing helpful medical information,” said Dr. Peterson.

No longer is it just used among teens and young adults, as more than half of all 50-60 year olds are active on social media, as well as 43 percent of individuals ages 65 and older.

For more information, or to register for these events, visit www.usciences.edu/connections. Join the discussion about these events by using #mayesconnections on social media.